Group Counseling

As you enter counseling and/or psychiatric treatment we encourage you to consider a counseling group. We hope these few paragraphs will answer some of the questions you may have about group counseling.

Just what is group counseling?

In group counseling, eight to ten people meet face-to-face with one or more trained group therapists and talk about what is troubling them. Members also give feedback to each other by expressing their own feelings about what someone says or does. This interaction gives group members an opportunity to try out new ways of behaving and to learn more about the way they interact with others. What makes the situation unique is that it is safe. The content of the group sessions is confidential; what members talk about or disclose is not discussed outside the group.

The first few sessions of a group usually focus on the establishment of trust. During this time, members work to establish a level of trust that allows them to talk personally and honestly. Group trust is achieved when all members make a commitment to the group.

Why does group counseling work?

When people come into a group and interact freely with other group members, they usually recreate those difficulties that brought them to group counseling in the first place. Under the skilled direction of a group counselor, the group is able to give support, offer alternatives, or gently confront the person. In this way the difficulty becomes resolved, alternative behaviors are learned, and the person develops new social techniques or ways of relating to people. During group counseling, people begin to see that they are not alone. Many people feel they are unique because of their problems, and it is encouraging to hear that other people have similar difficulties. In the climate of trust provided by the group, people feel free to care about and help each other.

What do I talk about when I am in group counseling?

You can talk about whatever you feel most comfortable disclosing. You may benefit most if you talk about what brought you to the counseling center in the first place. Tell the group members what is bothering you. If you need support, let the group know. If you think you need confrontation, let them know this also. It is important to tell people what you expect of them.

Unexpressed feelings are a major reason why people experience difficulties. Revealing your feelings - self-disclosure - is an important part of group and affects how much you will be helped. The appropriate disclosures will be those that relate directly to your present difficulty. How much you talk about yourself depends upon what you are comfortable with. If you have any questions about what might or might not be helpful, you can always ask the group.

Common Misperceptions about Group Counseling

1. "I will be forced to tell all of my deepest thoughts, feelings and secrets to the group."

You control what, how much, and when you share with the group. Most people find that when they feel safe enough to share what is troubling them, a group can be very helpful and affirming. We encourage you not to share what you are not ready to disclose. However, you can also be helped by listening to others and thinking about how what they are saying might apply to you.

2. "Group counseling will take longer than individual counseling because I will have to share the time with others."

Actually, group therapy is often more efficient than individual counseling for two reasons. First, you can benefit from the group even during sessions when you say little but listen carefully to others. You will find that you have much in common with other group members, and as they work on a concern, you can learn more about yourself. Secondly, group members will often bring up issues that strike a chord with you, but that you might not have been aware of or brought up yourself.

3. "I will be verbally attacked by the leaders and by other group members."

It is very important that group members feel safe. Group leaders are there to help develop a safe environment. Feedback is often difficult to hear. As group members come to trust and accept one another, they generally experience feedback and even confrontation as positive, as if it were coming from their best friend. One of the benefits of group therapy is the opportunity to receive feedback from others in a supportive environment. It is rare to find friends who will gently point out how you might be behaving in ways that hurt yourself or others, but this is precisely what group can offer. This will be done in a respectful, gentle way, so that you can hear it and make use of it.

4. "Group counseling is second-best to individual counseling."

Group counseling is being recommended to you because your counselor believes that it is the best way to address your concerns. We do not put people into group counseling because we don't have space in individual counseling, or because we want to save time. We recommend group when it is the most effective method to help you. Your counselor can discuss with you why group is what we recommend for you.

5. "I have so much trouble talking to people; I'll never be able to share in a group."

Most people are anxious about being able to talk in group. Almost without exception, within a few sessions people find that they do begin to talk in the group. Your discomfort with speaking in a group setting is probably one of the reasons your counselor recommended this method of counseling. Becoming comfortable speaking with others in this safe group setting may help your relationships with others in other areas of your life.

1. If you are going to miss a session, please let one of the leaders of the group know.

2. The group meeting times have been set by the group leaders, and you are asked to adhere to those times.

3. Having a feeling and acting on it are two different actions. Acting out your feelings is not acceptable whether you act them out upon yourself or another member of the group. The way we most respect ourselves and others is by experiencing feelings and then allowing ourselves to talk about them.

4. It is your responsibility to talk about your reasons for being in the group.

5. The group sessions are confidential. You, other members, and the group leaders are required not to disclose the contents of the group sessions.

6. If you decide that you have gained as much as possible from the group or that it isn't the most appropriate treatment method for you, we ask that you come to the group and say good-bye.

7. The work of the group needs to be done in the group during group time. Therefore, we ask that you not socialize with other members of your group during the time when you are a member of that group.

We hope the group experience is a good one for you.

Adapted with permission from VCU University Counseling Services
UCS | Services  (http://www.students.vcu.edu/counsel/group.html)
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